Study Abroad Glossary

Every acronym, exam, and visa form explained. Sourced from official ministries and exam authorities.

ECTS

European Credit Transfer System — 1 credit = 25-30 hours of student work. Standard year = 60 ECTS.

Bologna Process

1999 European agreement standardizing degrees: Bachelor (180-240 ECTS) → Master (60-120) → Doctorate.

Erasmus+

EU mobility programme funding study, training, and youth exchanges across Europe.

DAAD

Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst — German Academic Exchange Service.

IELTS

International English Language Testing System — 9-band scale. 6.5+ typical for Master’s admission.

TOEFL

Test of English as a Foreign Language — ETS standardized test. 90+ typical for Master’s admission.

CGPA

Cumulative Grade Point Average — most non-US systems use 4.0, 10.0, or percentage scales.

GRE

Graduate Record Examination — used by many US graduate programs.

GMAT

Graduate Management Admission Test — primarily for MBA programs.

Statement of Purpose

Personal essay required for most graduate admissions; explains motivation and fit.

Diploma Supplement

Standardized transcript-companion document required for cross-border degree recognition.

Bursar

University office responsible for tuition billing and student financial accounts.

Schengen Visa

Short-stay (Type C) or long-stay (Type D / national) visa for the Schengen Area.

CAS

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies — UK student visa requirement issued by sponsor institution.

I-20

Form issued by U.S. institutions for F-1 student visa applicants.

DS-160

U.S. nonimmigrant visa application form.

Fulbright

U.S. government international educational exchange program.

Chevening

UK Foreign Office international scholarship for Master’s study in UK.

Tuition-Free

No tuition fee charged; semester fees and living costs typically still apply.

Differentiated Tuition

Different fees for EU/EEA vs non-EU/EEA students at same institution.